“I love working with clients in the estate planning process. From the beginning to the end – and beyond – I help them understand the process and how to accomplish their goals. Most of all, I guide my clients through the evolution and modification of their plans as their families and needs change over the years.”
Through the estate planning process, Stephenie guides clients – families, same-sex couples, property and business owners, high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and others. She crafts estate and succession plans for entrepreneurs and business owners. She creates and administers trusts for families to protect assets and minimize taxes. And for all her clients, Stephenie delivers customized and personalized estate plans that align with their specific goals and needs.
Stephenie has particular strengths in designing and implementing special purpose trusts, including dynasty trusts, life insurance trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, spousal lifetime access trusts, credit shelter trusts, supplemental needs trusts, and Medicaid trusts. She also helps clients navigate elder law issues and plan for children with special needs.
“I know that estate planning may not be enjoyable for everyone – most people associate it with unpleasant thoughts about their own mortality – so I try to frame my questions differently: how can we make sure that you never have to worry about whether your loved ones are taken care of? How can we create the best possible plan for you and your family, for now and for the future? Tell me what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll figure out a way to get there.”
Clients appreciate Stephenie’s approach: she listens to their needs and expectations, guides them through difficult conversations and challenging decisions, and always brings enthusiasm to their meetings and work sessions. They know she always has their best interests in mind and that she will help set up and execute the plan they need to achieve their goals.
In addition to her work in estate planning, Stephenie handles the probate and administration of estates in Surrogate’s Court. She also advises her clients on the proper administration of trusts and estates, which includes the preparation of accountings and estate tax returns.
Stephenie is the co-host of Lassar & Cowhey’s ‘Pivot to Plan’ educational series, designed to help people navigate the most important decisions of their lives. She is conversant in Cantonese and Mandarin. Stephenie is originally from Hawaii and now lives in Queens with her husband and young son.